Mike Piazza hit 427 home runs over his 16-year career. / Ed Betz, AP

by Jesse Yomtov, USA TODAY Sports

by Jesse Yomtov, USA TODAY Sports

(Editor's note: USA TODAY Sports is publishing thumbnail sketches of the top 22 Hall of Fame candidates on this year's ballot. It is a most intriguing lot, ranging from seeming first-ballot names marred by the cloud of performance-enhancing drugs to unsullied players nearing the end of their 15-year eligibility. The Baseball Writers Association of America will announce who, if anyone, is voted in Jan. 9.)

Name: Mike Piazza

Position: Catcher

Career: 1992-2007; Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Padres, A's

Year on ballot: First

Why he should be inducted: Because he was the greatest hitter ever at the game's most demanding position. Because he hit more home runs than any catcher in the history of baseball. From 1993-2002, the 62nd-round draft pick never batted below .300, averaging 35 homers and 108 RBI. He won consecutive 10 Silver Slugger awards. He played in 12 All-Star Games.

In the scope of the 1990s, Piazza's numbers may not be jaw-dropping, but he was consistently dominating over the course of a decade, all while taking a beating behind the plate. Considering that his numbers are better than Cooperstown predecessors Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk in just about every prominent offensive category, Piazza belongs in the Hall fraternity.

Why he shouldn't be inducted: Piazza was never a great defensive catcher. He was the most stolen-on catcher in the National League in 10 different seasons. Piazza only averaged 104 games over his last five seasons, but again, he was a catcher. Piazza never won an MVP or led the league in any of the Triple Crown categories.

The biggest case against Piazza is that there have long been whispers that he used steroids, although there is no direct evidence.

Numbers don't lie: Piazza's .career .545 slugging percentage and .922 OPS are the highest of any catcher in baseball history.

Verdict: Piazza's Hall of Fame credentials are unquestionable. If voters leave him off their ballots, they might as well just come right out and say they think he used steroids. Unfortunately for Piazza, it's a difficult year to debut and he'll likely be lumped in with Sosa, Bonds and Clemens. Give it a few years.